Defeat 'hard to take' after Ireland got into winning position

Balbirnie pointed to a few “distractions off the pitch” in his post-match interview, acknowledging that Covid had significantly impacted on the squad

Andy Balbirnie in action for Ireland against the West Indies in the first ODI in Jamaica. Picture: Cricket West Indies

A gutsy batting display, led by a 71 from captain Andrew Balbirnie, wasn’t enough for Ireland to chase down the West Indies in the first one-day international at Sabina Park in Kingstown last night.

Big contributions from debutant Shamarh Brooks (93) and the big-hitting Kieran Pollard (69) helped the hosts post a score of 269 despite a strong finish from the Irish bowling.